by Gina Scarpa

 

The Biggest Loser's Becky has a lot to be proud of. Not only was she oldest contestant to make it the furthest this season, she was the last woman standing. She was also the model of focus and determination, returning to the ranch just days after her father passed. Today, we caught up with the schoolteacher in an exclusive interview to learn more about her Biggest Loser experience and her new, healthy life at home.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When and why did you first decide to try out for The Biggest Loser?
A. Becky: I decided at the last minute to throw caution to the wind and go for it. And when I say last minute, I'm not kidding. I overnighted the application the day before it was due. But I did so because my son, D.J., wanted to apply and wanted me to do it with him.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you deal with being away from your family and friends while on the ranch?
A. Becky: Being almost completely cut off from my family, especially my husband, was the hardest part of the experience. I dealt with it with a lot of tears, a lot of walking the "Presidential Mile", and a lot of prayers.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Many people would not have been able to return to the ranch and the game, especially so quickly, after their parent had passed. Did focusing on losing weight and getting healthy help you through that difficult time?
A. Becky: Absolutely! That's the way my dad would have wanted it. Since he had diabetes and quite a few other health issues, he was very concerned about my weight. The best way for me to honor him was to get to work and get healthy.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You worked with both Anna and Bob this season - what was your relationship like with your trainers?
A. Becky: I had a great relationship with both trainers. Anna did a fabulous job of getting me started on this journey. She pushed me to do things that I never thought I could do. Then, Bob took over and took me to the next level and the next and the next... He's a great trainer that really knows not only how to train, but how to get in your head and help you figure out why you gained the weight and what you can do emotionally to be in a better place to keep it off.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you went home, what was the biggest challenge that you faced? Was it difficult that you were the only contestant that went back to your job full-time?
A. Becky: I think one of the biggest challenges was time management. I had a plan in mind when I got home, but had to tweak it a little to make it work. It was very difficult to go back to work, however, I had to for a number of reasons. I needed to for the financial health of the family having two children in college. I also felt a sense of responsibility to my school district. My principal, my superintendent, the other teachers, and the students had been incredibly supportive and patient throughout this experience. I couldn't leave them high and dry. Finally, I felt it was important to me to be able to stand on that stage at the finale and say that if I can make it to the final four and compete and still work my full time teaching job, anyone can. Not having time to exercise is not an excuse.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How difficult was running that marathon, especially given the conditions (running in sand, extreme winds, etc.)?
A. Becky: It was unbelievably difficult. But, I guess that makes finishing it that much more rewarding.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: At this week's weigh-in, when you fell below the line and were eliminated, what was going through your mind?
A. Becky: I'm very proud to have made it this far. I'm obviously disappointed that I didn't make the final three. But, to be the smallest, the oldest, and the last woman left standing with the big boys, I have nothing to complain about.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you looking forward to most about finale night?
A. Becky: I'm looking forward to unveiling a strong, healthy, fifty-one year old woman to the world, proving that your age, your children, your career, or anything else shouldn't hold you back from taking care of yourself. As my dad used to say, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything."

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Any advice for potential or future contestants?
A. Becky: Stay out of the drama. Focus on the work that you need to do for yourself - physically and emotionally. This isn't about "the game". This is about your life.

 

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

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